Industrial Systems Designer

What You Will Do

As an Industrial Systems Designer, you will design, develop, and document plant systems for Electra’s pilot and industrial-scale operations. This role focuses on supporting the development of robust, cost-effective mechanical systems that enable efficient plant performance and reliable operation.

• Develop and refine industrial system and plant layout designs using 3D modeling software based on defined process requirements, equipment lists, and functional design criteria
• Create and maintain designs and documentation packages for process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, piping, vessels, and associated mechanical, process, instrumentation, and automation systems
• Apply engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to evaluate design challenges, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions within pilot plant and industrial processing environments
• Support the development and continuous improvement of pilot plant processing system designs, layouts, and associated engineering documentation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers, controls engineers, equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support installation, startup, commissioning, and issue resolution activities
• Prepare and maintain general arrangement drawings, piping isometrics, equipment layouts, plan and elevation views, and routing designs using CAD tools for both in-house fabrication and site installation activities
• Integrate OEM and supplier equipment into broader mechanical and process system designs while ensuring alignment with operational, safety, and functional requirements
• Utilize PDM/Vault systems to manage revision control, release workflows, engineering documentation, and libraries of 3D models and components
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating design approaches, adapting existing solutions, and resolving issues of diverse scope within established engineering practices
• Build effective working relationships across technical and operational teams while communicating complex design information to varied audiences
• Read, understand, and comply with workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Design with 7+ years of professional experience in plant design, industrial systems integration, or equipment layout; OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 5+ years of related professional experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and academic projects)
• Complete knowledge and practical application of industrial design principles, plant layout practices, and mechanical system integration within processing, manufacturing, chemical, minerals, or similar industrial environments
• Experience developing industrial system layouts, equipment arrangements, and engineering solutions for complex processing or manufacturing operations
• Proficiency creating 3D equipment layouts, piping and duct routing, and general arrangement drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms
• Experience designing or supporting skid-mounted systems, process equipment, tanks, vessels, piping systems, and structural frameworks
• Working knowledge of integrating automation hardware and controls systems into industrial or process system designs
• Able to assess unusual design conditions, evaluate multiple variables, and apply sound technical judgment to develop practical and scalable engineering solutions
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, suppliers, contractors, and technical stakeholders
• Understanding of ergonomics, operational safety principles, and industrial design best practices within pilot plant or industrial processing environments
• Senior Level Qualifications:
• Associate's degree in Design with 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial plant design, systems integration, equipment layout, or related disciplines; OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 8+ years of related professional experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and academic projects)
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of industrial design principles, plant layout methodologies, and mechanical systems integration within processing, manufacturing, chemical, mining, metals, minerals, or similar industrial environments
• Demonstrated experience leading the design and execution of complex industrial systems and plant layouts from concept through detailed design with minimal technical oversight
• Experience serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects, coordinating design activities across engineering disciplines while balancing scope, schedule, and technical requirements
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior designers and engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, problem-solving, and development of engineering best practices
• Advanced proficiency creating complex 3D equipment layouts, piping and duct routing, general arrangement drawings, and detailed manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks, Plant 3D, or comparable CAD platforms
• Extensive experience designing process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, vessels, piping systems, structural frameworks, and industrial equipment installations
• Strong understanding of automation hardware, instrumentation, and controls integration within industrial processing systems
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, assess multiple design alternatives, and apply sound engineering judgment to develop practical, scalable, and maintainable solutions
• Prominent ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions with minimal direction in a fast-paced technical environment
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and technical leadership skills with experience working effectively across engineering disciplines, operations, suppliers, contractors, and external partners
• Strong understanding of industrial safety, ergonomics, operability, maintainability, and constructability principles, with experience incorporating these considerations throughout the design process
• Familiarity with heavy industrial facilities such as mining, metals, minerals processing, chemical manufacturing, oil & gas, or power generation
• Experience supporting EPC projects, commissioning, plant construction, and field installation activities
• Strong understanding of industrial design principles, including safety, operability, maintainability, accessibility, and ergonomics
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, including PDM/Vault administration, engineering change management, revision control, and release processes
• Experience working in a startup, pilot plant, or rapidly evolving technology organizations, where design solutions evolve alongside process development